Nancy Dawn Olson has performed in the Chippewa Valley for over a decade, including stops at The Plus and Stones Throw. (Photo by Teddy Snider)

Love can bring you confidence and invigoration, and it also can tap into your rawest insecurities – but both extremes are equally worthy of a cathartic melody.

“Am I Still Your Baby” is the latest track from veteran-local songwriter Nancy Dawn Olson, released on New Year’s Day. The song captures Olson at her most vulnerable, a moment nearly a decade ago that separated her from her music.

“I was having a bad day, so I wrote a song to ease my mind,” Olson said. “I felt insecure in my relationship, so I wanted to turn those negative emotions into something positive the only way I knew how, by writing a song. It’s truly cathartic to put your feelings out there and feel free of them.”

The new recording features a 1960s-sequel, upbeat vibe, with many intricacies in the instrumentation. The song features instrumentation courtesy of Producer Chris Flores, who famously produced work for Slash of Guns N’ Roses fame.

Working out of his Los Angeles workspace The Rehab Studio, this is the third song the creative pair have collaborate on, following up “I Don’t Want to Wake Up,” and “One Wish” – both released in late 2021. Local Radio Host Gary Schmaltz said the collaboration between the two brings about a special quality in Olson’s music she may not have been able to tap into independently. 

“Chris brings Nancy’s music vision to life,” Schmaltz said. “He follows through on the musical conception Nancy has, and it is wonderful to see her ideas come to life.”

The latest solo release from Olson continues a busy slate of musical endeavors, including the music video for “I Don't Want to Wake Up” being featured at the International Film Festival at the Pablo Center.

With three recent singles under her belt, Olson said the next steps for her are to package the Flores produced recordings in a physical package, while continuing to write original music. 

“I try to write songs that people can relate to, whether they are going through experiences now or things they remember going through,” Olson said.

“Am I Still Your Baby” by Nancy Dawn Olson is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major streaming platforms.